Fight Mental Fatigue and Stress Caused by COVID-19
It's been almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and although vaccines provide incredible hope for the future, the fatigue of staying vigilant against COVID-19 is proving to be too much for many who are letting their guard down when it comes to keeping themselves safe.
My wife and I were just talking about this the other day. How things have changed and how more stressed we feel at times just by making sure we follow all protocols to get through this never ending pandemic.
According to the Lansing State Journal, many people are starting to loosen their own safety practices. Whether it's not wearing a mask around others, washing hands less frequently or being more relaxed on social distancing guidelines.
The reason may be due to COVID-19 fatigue, which experts at McLaren Greater Lansing say is a result of the natural process of desensitization and also long term chronic stress.
Here are several steps you can take to help fight mental fatigue and stress caused by Covid-19:
1. Get up and get active. Physical activity can be just as important to keeping your brain sharp and focused at any age. It's time to give your metal outlook a boost. Just get up and start moving, or dancing, or exercising, and have fun.
2. Learn new stress reduction techniques. There are many well researched techniques that have been shown to effectively reduce stress. Such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation and many other mindfulness based approaches. (LSJ)
3. Start a post COVID-19 bucket list. What are some of the things you miss and are looking forward to doing in the future when restrictions are lowered, and it's safe to resume previous activities? For my wife and I, traveling and going to lots of movies and spending more time with family members.